Family-Friendly Summer Getaway Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank

Summer is right around the corner, and you know what that means: 10 whole weeks of vacation. We know the pressure is on to book a trip that's just as much fun for kids as it is for adults. That's why we've compiled a list of affordable places that rank high on the fun-o-meter. Get ready to pack your bags, put away your wallet, and enjoy summer without racking up a massive bill.

Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National parks are a great way to take an affordable trip without spending a fortune. Any U.S. national park would be a bucket list family destination, but the Great Smoky Mountains offers some perks. Staying in Gatlinburg provides access to many popular hiking trails, as well as a few other attractions that your kids will love.

Things to Do

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies has a shark lagoon, an interactive touch tank, ocean exhibits, and an indoor tropical rainforest. It's the perfect rainy-day activity, and it's easy to spend a whole day exploring marine life. You can also purchase admission bundles, which lower the aquarium entry fee and also provide admission to other nearby Ripley's attractions.

If your family isn't feeling the aquarium, Clingman's Dome is an exciting attraction with views from the highest point in Tennessee. It's a great way to see the best views in the state, along with views of a few other states, too. It's $5 for a parking permit, making it one of the most affordable things to do.

Looking for more excitement? Admission to the Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park is $34.99 for children over 12, but is more than $10 cheaper for kids under this age. Kids three and under get in for free, making this an excellent bargain for large families with young children.

Accommodations

Staying in a national park offers perks beyond free hiking and sightseeing. Camping is a budget-friendly way to spend a week in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can rent an RV or a cabin for a reasonable price, especially if you book ahead. If your main goal is to explore the park, camping the old-fashioned way is the most affordable option, as it cuts accommodation costs down to practically nothing.

San Diego, California

San Diego is a haven for kids and adults when it comes to summer activities. Some of these options can be pricey, but there are plenty of activities that won't put you over budget. Being a large city, San Diego also offers plenty of affordable lodging options for families.

Things to Do

The first thing that comes to mind for many people is the San Diego Zoo. This attraction lives up to the hype, but can become an expensive day trip. Tickets cost $62 when purchased online, but you can save some money by buying a Go City pass. This is an all-inclusive pass with your choice of attractions, bundled into a one to seven-day fee.

The Explorer Pass offers access to the San Diego Zoo and up to one other attraction per day. Alternatively, the All-Inclusive Pass provides admission to the zoo and unlimited access to 51 attractions. This includes LEGOLAND California, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Knott's Berry Farm, Belmont Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and more.

Accomodations

Since there are few lodging options near the San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay, Coronado, and Pacific Bay are good options. Several affordable hotel options and Airbnb accommodations are available in these areas. The bonus is proximity to California's beaches, another family-friendly activity in this area.

Washington, D.C.

Don't let the professionalism of Washington, D.C. fool you – it's full of family-friendly activities! It's also one of the most affordable destinations on this list. There's plenty to do beyond historical museums, and it's an underrated destination for kids and teens.

Things to Do

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park are two great starting places. Both of these are free, making them the most affordable attraction on this list with the most to explore. You do need to reserve tickets online for the zoo, though, so be sure to do this in advance.

The International Spy Museum is another fun way to spend the day, especially for older kids. Tickets are cheapest on Sunday at $32.81, with Saturday being the most expensive day at $34.93. For young children, the National Building Museum or the scavenger hunt at the Botanic Garden are perfect. Both are free of charge!

Accomodations

The good news is that Washington, D.C.'s hotels are relatively family-friendly. Comparing prices in the area via Kayak or Priceline will give you the best deal. Airbnb is also an option. If summer prices are still too high, consider looking just outside the city and utilizing public transportation.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is the ideal destination for families seeking a beach vacation. It's kid-friendly with a laid-back atmosphere for all ages. While it may not resemble a typical beach vacation, it will suit most budgets. Did we mention it has beautiful scenery, stunning beaches, and plenty of open space for kids to run around?

Things to Do

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a must for anyone visiting the Outer Banks. The beach offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including beachcombing, swimming, kite flying, and, of course, the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Admission to the lighthouse is $4 for children under 12 and $8 for adults.

For a little more excitement, the H20BX Waterpark is open daily. Ticket prices are decided by height, so kids under 43″ get in for $34.99. If you want to lock in that price, consider visiting the park after 3 PM when tickets are at their cheapest.

Accomodations

Expedia, Hotels.com, and Travelocity offer the best deals on hotels and resorts in the Outer Banks, with prices as low as $81 per night in the summer. For the most affordable options, Nags Head and Hatteras are ideal. Just be sure to check the extended forecast before booking, or ensure your room is refundable during hurricane season.

Waterbury, Vermont

Most people visit Stowe, Vermont, without realizing the neighboring town of Waterbury is equally exciting. It's also a more affordable way to explore Stowe, without paying the tourist prices. Vermont is truly a hidden gem, offering a wealth of inexpensive, one-of-a-kind experiences for the whole family.

Things to Do

The first thing on everyone's list should be a visit to the Ben & Jerry's Factory. This is located just off the main highway in Waterbury and is worth the hype. The Scoop Shop, lobby, and storefront are free to enter, but the factory tour is a must. Tickets are $6 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. Spoiler alert: Everyone receives a complimentary ice cream sample at the end of the tour, making it well worth the cost.

Exploring Downtown Stowe is another budget-friendly way to spend the day. The town itself is full of unique coffee shops, diverse restaurants, and boutique shops. For a more scenic route around town, the Stowe bike path is a great (free) option for exploring. And, of course, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails nearby for older kids.

Accomodations

Since Vermont is pretty remote, lodging accommodations are admittedly slim. However, summer is the off-season for ski hotspots like Waterbury. Therefore, it's possible to find lodging deals during the hotter months. Airbnb is also relatively active in the Waterbury area, and you can often find more affordable nightly rates by staying a few towns away.

Holland, Michigan

Just walking around Holland, Michigan, is an exciting activity in itself. Holland itself is the activity! With no shortage of Dutch-inspired scenery, incredible food, and unique attractions, there's something for the entire family. The best part? Much of it is budget-friendly.

Things to Do

Neli's Dutch Village is one of Holland's most popular attractions. You can save money by purchasing tickets online, and they offer special rates for military members and their families. General online admission is $17, and children two years old and under are admitted free of charge. Once inside, your family has access to amusement park rides, the Hungry Dutchman Cafe, Dutch village shops, the petting zoo, the flagship store, and several different play areas.

If you visit Windmill Island Gardens outside of Tulip Time (the last week of May), admission is only $13 for adults and $6 for children. Here, your family can stroll the gardens and explore an authentic Dutch windmill. Holland is also home to an aquatic center, a state park, and the BAM! Entertainment Center.

Accomodations

Thankfully, Holland is a relatively inexpensive destination for a vacation. Many hotels offer rooms for less than $100 per night, including Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and DoubleTree by Hilton. Hudsonville and Jenison are just up the road from Holland and also offer decent rates, although you may need to consider renting a car or using Uber.

Adirondacks, New York

Similar to a national park trip, the Adirondacks offers adventure and significant affordability. For families that are fans of the great outdoors, there's perhaps no better place. Upstate New York is a blend of stunning views, treetop adventures, small town charm, and even some history.

Things to Do

The Adirondacks begin just north of Albany and extend slightly beyond the Canadian border. There's no shortage of affordable towns to book, but Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Glens Falls are great places to consider. Saranac Lake offers a vibrant, walkable downtown area, along with plenty of scenic walks and free festivals during the summer. Lake Placid is home to the Olympic Center, a perfect destination for sports enthusiasts.

Admission to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum is $15 for adults and $12 for youth ages seven to 19. Glens Falls is an up-and-coming destination with a bustling downtown. It also provides easy access to Lake George, allowing you to visit without paying the high summer lake prices.

Accomodations

Accommodations for these cities range in price depending on the month. The good news is that if one doesn't fit into your budget, there are plenty more Adirondack towns to choose from. Glens Falls offers the most affordability, while the others provide walkability in exchange for a higher lodging price.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is known for its proximity to the renowned Hersheypark. However, there's plenty to do in this capital city besides eating chocolate. And if the chocolate factory is on your family's list, you'll be happy you're saving money on other activities.

Things to Do

While Hershey Park is $49.99 per day, Harrisburg offers many other free activities. For nature-loving families, the Hershey Medical Center Trail offers hiking and biking, while the Swatara Creek is perfect for kayaking or canoeing. Wildwood Park is also home to the Olewine Nature Center, featuring exhibits suitable for all ages. For more free activities, check out the state's Capital building, or spend the day at City Island for views, mini golf, baseball games, and more.

Accomodations

Lodging is more affordable in Harrisburg than in many other capital cities. Room rates are as low as $46 per night. If you're adding Hershey Park to your itinerary, staying in Harrisburg is a good way to save money, even though it means commuting to the park.

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